Office for Student Affairs > Faculty/Staff Resources > Academic Success

Faculty/Staff Resources

Academic Success

Students, particularly freshmen, can encounter academic difficulties. First-year students often face difficult transitions and adjustments to college, including separating from family members, adjusting to new living arrangements, and accommodating the University's higher academic standards.

For example, one survey (Henderson, 1996) found that high school students typically spend 3-5 hours per week on homework. A full course load at the University demands this much or more academic work each day. First-year students who rely on high school-level coping skills during the transition to college are at risk for personal and academic difficulties. Many students who drop out of college do so in their freshman year.

Some causes of academic difficulty

• Motivational issues
• Anxiety/fear
• Higher level courses/increased academic standards
• Depression
• Learning issues
• Failure to attend and participate in classes
• Procrastination
• Poor time management
• Family issues
• Financial concerns
• Excessive use of alcohol or other drugs
• Inability to communicate with professors/TAs
• Inability to take advantage of campus resources

How to detect if a student has academic difficulty

• Poor or inconsistent grades
• Missed assignments
• Chronic lateness or absence
• Appears unorganized
• Never asks for help or attends office hours
• Doesn't participate in class discussion

How to help

The most important idea to remember is that you must meet the student at his or her level of readiness and motivation for change, and you must work from that point. Using constructive confrontation, explore the consequences of changing or not changing and help the student assess what is blocking progress.

If a student seems unable to improve motivation or is unwilling to change, the student may not be ready or fit for college; alternatives should be explored. If a student is willing to change and seems to possess the capacity for improved motivation, you can suggest that the student begin with the inner work of change: managing emotions, thinking more positively, resolving unfinished issues. You can also work on actions toward change: focusing on a starting point, developing goals, building on small successes. Encouragement and support can go a long way, even if a student is discouraged.

For assistance with an issue that is not listed, please call Office for Student Affairs at 612-626-1242.